The 8 Most Common Lies You've Probably Been Told By Job Candidates

Job candidates lie. And the sooner you accept that, the sooner you can start spotting the warning signs earlier on in the process.

Everybody lies. We've said it before and I'll say it again.

In fact, you would be shocked by some of the lies candidates have told me in the past.

Like, for example:
  • "I'm half French."
  • "I completed a degree in English."
  • "I played a Dementor in Harry Potter."

(I know, right. Candidates really do say the oddest things.)

But, there's a difference between these mega-lies that only really cheeky candidates would use and some of the smaller, more common lies that quite a few of them think are ok to tell.

Let's take a look:

Summary.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post - everybody lies in interviews. It could be something silly like "I love going to the gym" or it could be something more deceptive, like fabricating an entire degree.

When you accept that this is the case, you can start working towards spotting lies earlier - and learning how to wheedle out the truth.

Recruiter Pro Tip. It can be really frustrating when you find out (too late) that a candidate has lied to you. So if you'd like to learn how to assess body language and spot some of the warning signs, check out these great resources:
Remember - use your instincts - does something not quite feel right? Why not? And if you do catch a job candidate in a lie, be ready with a plan of action!

If you'd like to read more like this, you can subscribe to our recruitment blog here.

Coburg Banks Recruitment
We help great people get brilliant jobs in top companies.

Continue reading

View all
Category one
Category two
Category three
Category four
Read the blog nowRead the blog now

8 Cliché Interview Questions We Should Stop Asking (+ 16 Alternatives) [Video]

Do you ask cliche interview questions like "what's your greatest weakness?" Check out this video to discover some (much) better alternatives.
Read the blog nowRead the blog now

8 of the Best Personality Interview Questions

Want to find out more about your candidate's personality? No stress, these personality interview questions will really help you out. Read more here. Enjoy!
Read the blog nowRead the blog now

9 Predictable Interview Questions You Shouldn't Be Asking and 24 Unique Alternatives

Interviewer: 'What are your key strengths?'� Interviewee: 'I'm hard-working, creative and passionate about what I do!' Well, I've never heard that one before! If you're asking clich� interview questions, you can expect clich� answers!